Tottenham preparing move for Sporting Lisbon striker Islam Slimani

Tottenham have identified Sporting striker Islam Slimani as a replacement for AdebayorGetty

Tottenham are reportedly close to signing Sporting Lisbon striker Islam Slimani as they look to bolster their striker force ahead of next season.

According to Tutto Mercato Web, the north London club have identified the Algerian striker as a perfect replacement for Emmanuel Adebayor, who will be allowed to leave at the end of the season following the expiry of his contract.

Mauricio Pochettino is keen to strengthen his forward line as he currently only has Harry Kane, Roberto Soldado and Emmanuel Adebayor as recognised strikers. But the latter two have failed to make an impact this season and have left the entire goal scoring burden on the shoulders of the young Englishman.

It is believed that Adebayor and Soldado will be allowed to leave at the end of the season, with the Argentine manager identifying replacements ahead of the summer transfer window.

Slimani, who joined Sporting during the summer of 2013 for just £220,000 has been impressive for the Portuguese side this season and this has attracted the attention of the north London club. The report claims that the forward will be available for a fee of around £14.6m ($22.6).

Apart from the 26-year-old Algerian international, Spurs have also been heavily linked to Southampton striker Jay Rodriguez, who is just making his way back from a long-term knee injury.

Meanwhile, Kane has backed Spurs to go and get the win in Thursday's last-32 Europa League tie against Fiorentina. The in-form striker has reiterated that the club are keen to go far in the tournament.

"Fiorentina have got the away goal so we're going to have to go out and score, but with the players we've got in this team we should be able to do that," Kane told Tottenham's official site.

"We're all looking forward to the game – we want to go far in this competition and it should be a good second leg," the English striker added.